Certain types of bacteria in tumor cells can cause cancer to progress from mild to metastatic, according to new research in China.
According to research published April 9 in the journal Cell, the reason cancers become so dangerous is because they metastasize. Chinese researchers say bacteria in tumor cells help tumors move, promoting cell survival during cancer development.
Experts at Westlake Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences, show that bacteria can take over tumor cells and increase their strength, reducing the increase in mechanical stress in the body. blood.
“Our study shows that cancer cell behavior is also controlled by bacteria hidden within tumors, most of which were initially thought to be sterile,” said Cai Shang, the study’s lead author. know.
Cai and colleagues used a mouse model of human-like breast cancer, with a significant amount of bacteria living inside the tumor cells. Bacteria in cancer tissue were about 10 times more abundant than bacteria in normal breast tissue.
They found that the bacteria can travel through the circulatory system with cancer cells. They regulate the actin network, a protein involved in many types of cell movement, including muscle contraction.
The study also showed that this bacterium has a role in migrating cancer cells, rather than just affecting carcinoma in situ.
“Even a small amount of bacteria entering a breast tumor can cause a benign tumor to metastasize,” Cai said.
Bacteria were found in mouse breast cancer cells. Image: Xinhua
Next, the researchers injected antibiotics into the mice’s blood to get rid of the tumor bacteria. They found that the tumor did not shrink, but the ability to metastasize was significantly reduced. In contrast, when those bacteria were injected back into the mice, the likelihood of metastasis increased significantly.
The researchers think that tumor cells in the blood tend to be destroyed by some kind of mechanical stress, but the bacteria inside could make them stronger by rebuilding their entire structure.
The study did not explain how the bacteria enter and grow inside tumor cells to promote metastasis. Scientists say more in-depth research is needed to learn about the use of antibiotics to treat cancer.
Mr. Cai noted that the study did not show that the use of antibiotics during cancer treatment would be effective for patients.
Thuc Linh (According to Xinhua)
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